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Working Capital Diagnostic

Business analysisFinance and risk

Reference model

Working Capital Diagnostic ProcessA sequence of 6 steps, read from the first to the last: 1, Assess Current Cash Flow; 2, Identify Challenges; 3, Analyze Key Metrics; 4, Compare with Benchmarks; 5, Decide on Actions; 6, Implement Actions.Assess Current CashFlowEvaluate the current cash flowsituation.1Identify ChallengesDetermine the working capitalchallenges faced.2Analyze Key MetricsReview inventory turnover,days sales outstanding, anddays payable outstanding.3Compare with BenchmarksMeasure against industrybenchmarks for workingcapital.4Decide on ActionsOutline actions to improveworking capital.5Implement ActionsExecute the improvementactions with assigned owners.6

Understanding the components of working capital helps in diagnosing cash flow issues.

About this model

A structured approach to evaluate working capital components such as inventory, receivables, and payables to enhance liquidity and operational efficiency.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Focus on the key metrics of working capital: inventory turnover, days sales outstanding, and days payable outstanding.
  • Identify areas where the business can improve cash flow and reduce working capital needs.

What this does

Analyzes the efficiency of working capital management to identify opportunities for improvement and optimize cash flow.

When to use it

Use it when cash flow issues are impacting operations and you need to assess working capital utilization.

Not when: Do not use it when the business has stable cash flow and no immediate concerns regarding liquidity or operational efficiency.

What happens next

Develop an action plan to improve working capital based on the diagnostic results.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Cash Flow Analysis
  • Inventory Management
  • Accounts Receivable Management

Feeds into →

  • Working Capital Improvement Plan

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.